A primary source is something that was created during the time under study. It is an original work written by someone who witnessed or wrote about an event close in time to when it happened.

What is a Primary Source?

A secondary source is created using information provided by someone else. Secondary sources are often created at a time long after the event.

What is a Secondary Source?

Thumbs up for primary sources

Examples of Primary Sources:

LetterMapDiaries &

journalsSpeechStatisticsDocument

InterviewPhotographWorks of artArtifactNewspaper

Examples of Secondary Sources:

EncyclopediaTextbookNonfiction

bookNewspaper

Library of Congress

and all around

you!

Finding Primary Sources

Look closelyReflect on what you see Ask questionsConsider bias

Using Primary Sources

Observe

What do you notice first?Study the detailsFind something small but interestingWhat do you notice that you didn’t expect?What do you notice that you can’t explain?

Reflect

Where do you think this came from?Why do you think somebody made it?What do you think was happening when it was made?How do you think it was made?Who do you think was the audience for this?What can you learn from examining this?

Question

What do you wonder about . . .Who?What?When?Where?Why?How?

The history of Virginia, in four parts. I. The history of the first settlement of Virginia, and the government thereof, to the year 1706. II. The natural productions and conveniences of the country, suited to trade and improvement. III. The native Indians, their religion, laws, and customs, in war and peace. IV. The present state of the country, as to the polity of the government, and the improvements of the land, the 10th of June 1720. By a native and inhabitant of the place.

OBSERVE:What do you notice first?Study the details.Find something small but interesting.What do you notice that you didn’t expect?What do you notice that you can’t explain?REFLECT:Can you make connections?Why do you think somebody made it?What do you think was happening when it was made?How do you think it was made?Who do you think was the audience for this?What can you learn from examining this?

QUESTION:What do you wonder about . . Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?